Dan Ryan: Northbound Lanes Moving Again After Deadly Crash

Traffic is blocked on the Dan Ryan Expy., as seen from an IDOT camera at 90th Street.
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Illinois Department of Transportation

CHICAGO — The northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway are moving again after a deadly crash diverted traffic for more than four hours Friday afternoon.

According to state police, a car struck a tractor-trailer around 2 p.m. on Interstate 94 near 91st Street. The tractor-trailer then slammed into the right shoulder, where it struck a concrete median and rebounded to the other side of the highway — finally stopping as it smashed head-on into the left median.

The truck's driver was ejected.

Authorities said a man — believed to be the truck driver — was killed in the collision.

The man, identified as 56-year-old Alfredo Valladares of the 5500 block of South Fairfield Avenue in Gage Park, was pronounced dead at the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office at 5:05 p.m. Friday.

Cops closed a section of the northbound Dan Ryan for four-and-a-half hours Friday as they investigated.

As of 6:30 p.m., traffic was moving again — with the exception of the far right lane, which remained closed.

During Friday rush hour, cars were diverted off the expressway at one of two exits: South Stony Island Avenue or Interstate 57. Drivers who wanted to get back on the highway could re-enter at 71st Street.